Johns Hopkins University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Johns Hopkins University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 350 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives or skills—and what you want to pursue at Hopkins? (350 word limit)

JHU is purposefully leaving this question super open-ended, so you can write about any facet of your background, interests, or personal values that has been most integral in shaping who you are. Admissions also wants to know how this aspect of your life experience has impacted what you want to gain from attending Hopkins. Start by thinking about what makes you you. You can write down some words that you would use to describe yourself or work backward by thinking about what you hope to pursue at Hopkins, then consider how that relates to your character, perspectives, or skills. Maybe you dream of becoming a surgeon specializing in gender-affirming operations, combining your interest in science and medicine with your passion for helping members of the trans community. Perhaps you don’t know what you want to major in yet but hope to expand your horizons at JHU as a first-generation student, bringing what you learn back home to share with your family and community. As long as you put aside time to brainstorm freely and edit meticulously, we’re confident you’ll impress admissions with your response!